What Ana Does

Embolden by a plant expert Instagram influencer, I chopped my Fiddle that had a temper tantrum this winter and dropped 80% of its leaves.  Here's what was left of it after it decided it was angry with me:  So I cut off all the leaves and down to these three twigs. I moved it outside for the best summer light and heat to keep it happy and warm. Keeping my fingers crossed that I didn't just kill this plant baby.  Then, I dropped the chopped limbs into some water to see if I could get it to propagate. The expert said it wasn't always easy, but give it a try anyway. Why not?!  I'll post again soon with an update on the progress. 

I have always loved plants and grew up around a ton of houseplants.  But, sadly, I've got no green thumbs. And along the way, I've lost my plant-caring confidence. I kept killing so many plants! Through neglect, extended vacations, over-watering, etc. I just couldn't keep much alive and thriving.  Lately, though, I think that might be turning around. Since returning from Paris and adding plants I've read are hardy, I've killed a lot less houseplants than I ever.  And in just the last few months, I added three BIG guys into the mix of Pathos and Spider plants which I can definitely keep alive!  This is a ZZ plant. It's new and still settling in.  Agleonemas with a pretty variegated leaf. I am feeling especially optimistic about this one, as you can tell from the giant pot I have it in. I'm hoping it gets really big and bushy.  This one is called Monstera and it tops most lists as the easiest to keep alive. Well, we'll see about that. But it's very tal...

I like to think I have a green thumb, but I really don't. It's one of those lies I tell myself. Like how I can stop eating chocolate at anytime. Sha! While we were alway in Paris, most of my houseplants died. They were already on their last legs before we left, so all it just took was 10 days of no water for them to officially kick the bucket. A few of them were succulents, so that's a real proof of my plant-killing skills. I should mention the ferns near the TV are hanging on, so I'm not a total plant-killing loser. Maybe 60% success rate? Last weekend I picked up three new "hardy" houseplants to replace all the dead ones. A neighbor suggested I replant them in larger pots and keep them in one spot - don't move them around. (This is certainly something I'm in the habit of doing.) Let's hope they last a bit longer! New Plants - And Pretty Gladys! 

After seeing the bouquets at my CSA farm stand last year, I jumped at signing up for the CSA Flower Share this summer. Every other weekend I pick up an amazing arrangement of flowers grown on the farm, just up the street from me. See? Living in an outer-ring suburb near the prairie does have some advantages! Filled With 'Snow on the Mountain' Lisianthus, Statice and Feverfew Lisianthus - Looks Like a Simpler Rose The Flowers From Above

Can't waste all this light we're getting in the family room. Introducing Polly or Ginger -- we're still deciding on the name. It's a Palm! Related posts: More Family Room stories